For all press inquiries, please email Erin James at erin@ascendhg.com.
AHG in the Press
Bellevue Lifestyle Magazine features how AHG and Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi are in the business of making memories. READ THE ARTICLE HERE.
“People often end up in the restaurant industry by accident,” says Morris, “and I want them to have the skills and opportunities to then choose their paths. I want to help people recognize their own value.”
AHG Has Your Back returns for the third year to stock the backpacks of students in need, covered by 425 Business.
“For the third year in a row, it has been our honor at Ascend Hospitality Group to partner with Amazon and Amazon Fresh to bring this amazing backpack-pickup experience to children in our community who need it most,”
AHG Redefines Hospitality: Bellevue-based restaurant group delivers world-class dining — and service to community.
“One of the ways AHG empowers its teams is by giving them freedom to take initiative in community service. In a recent audit of the company’s charitable works, Morris discovered that their locations’ individual initiatives had donated a combined $750,000 to local schools. Staff also hosted benefits, smoked turkeys for military families and fed first responders in Clackamas, Oregon, during recent wildfires.”
Salt Lake Magazine covers AHG’s opening of Aqua Terra Steak + Sushi in City Creek Center, centered on community.
“We don’t just bring restaurants to the regions we believe are great places to do business, we bring our philosophy of ‘service before self,’” Morris says. “We are committed to investing in the communities where we operate through job creation and an intense focus on meaningful engagement with our employees, at the table and within each community we serve.”
253 Lifestyle Magazine showcases how Ascend Hospitality Group takes service to the next level at Stanford’s Steak and beyond.
“Through Stanford’s Steak and AHG Cares, the company is working with city officials, city influencers, local nonprofits, Travel Tacoma, and more, to “broaden their understanding of how Stanford’s Steak can best show up for Tacoma,” Elaina adds.”
425 Business covers AHG Has Your Back: Bellevue Event Helps Hundreds of Students, Families Prepare for School.
“Amazon and Ascend Hospitality Group (AHG) teamed up with music superstar Ciara Sunday to support more than 500 local students in need across the Puget Sound.”
Rainier Athletes Recognizes Ascend Hospitality Group as 2022 Corporate PlayMaker.
“Corporate citizenship isn’t a tagline but a way of life for us. We are truly proud to utilize the resources of our company to enable deep community partnerships with organizations like Rainier Athletes.”
[video] New Day NW has AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris and community partner/former Seahawk Cliff Avril on the show to talk about AHG Care’s Cliff Has Your Back program.
[video] In light of statewide closures banning indoor dining due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris shares her concerns on how the hospitality industry is being impacted on KING 5 News.
AHG is spotlighted for its innovation, fresh perspective and determination by the Bellevue Downtown Association.
“While the virus has dramatically affected day to day operations across Ascend and their other businesses, Herber emphasized how her management staff have continued to support its employees particularly in the form of compensation, benefits and professional growth and development.”
Origami Magazine features AHG and flagship restaurant Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi as a company founded on helping employees find their purpose.
AHG wins coveted 2023 Community Spotlight Award for Corporate Leader from the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.
Elaina Morris in the Press
AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris is selected and featured as a 2023 Woman to Watch for 425 Magazine.
“What I’ve realized along the way is that the most valuable thing you can give people is your time,” Morris continued. “The people who need the most time are the people who really need help uncovering what their true self-worth and value is, and how to use that value to create or help to identify opportunities for themselves.”
[video] AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris is honored and spoke as a 2023 Women to Watch by 425 Magazine.
Elaina Morris, AHG CEO/President, co-hosts the Women’s Leadership Conference in Bellevue with tips and inspiration aplenty.
“When we talk about finding our voice in leadership, it is not always the big conversations, it's the confidence that you gain in nailing the little conversations.”
AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris fosters personal development at this burgeoning indie restaurant group.
“As a leader you have to be very focused on what is best for your people…because if they feel good about coming to work and know that we actually care about them and their wellbeing, they’re going to do a better job…I think it’s just constant attention to, how do I help people know that I care about their whole wellbeing and [then help to] identify their abilities?”
Puget Sound Business Journal selects AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris as an honoree for 2021 Women of Influence.
“Being involved in community starts with a core belief that to serve is a duty. I’m in the hospitality business, but service isn’t just about what I do, it’s rooted in my strong personal desire to ensure people are well cared for.”
AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris addresses how the pandemic changed her management style
“"Some days, I would just wake up and say, 'We survived today. We could turn the lights on and get help to the workers who needed it.' I'm used to thriving, and in this environment, surviving is fine. That is enough."
Seattle Met Magazine names AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris as 2021 Face of Elevated Hospitality.
“At Ascend Hospitality Group, Morris strives to create and provide an environment that brings people together through culinary experiences, raises the bar, and improves the standards in the hospitality industry.”
AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris gives advice to startup entrepreneurs for SHRM’s blog.
“The No. 1 thing you have got to do right is find the market niche…Why do people care about what you are bringing to market? Is it different enough that you are progressive and relevant?"
Fabulous Washington features AHG CEO/President Elaina Morris in “Fabulous People.”
“My employees [inspire me]. Why? Because they have grit and determination, they are fiercely loyal to our guest and our mission, and they have perseverance and drive to overcome any hardship, as evidenced by how they’ve showed up for each other, guests and our business throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”